Children's Peace Rally in Kolkata: India in Solidarity with Palestine - A Report
In a powerful show of solidarity, approximately 600 individuals, including more than 400 children aged 4 and above, gathered at Park Circus on the cool Sunday morning of December 24th, 2023. The air resonated with a shared commitment to advocate for innocent lives affected by the ongoing conflict in Israel.
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The rally, which stretched 2 kilometres from Park Circus, had enthusiastic participants carrying placards with messages of solidarity with Palestine and a fervent appeal for an immediate ceasefire. Children dressed in costumes depicting wounded survivors of Gaza carried props symbolising the shrouded corpses of innocent children, a stark visual representation of the conflict's devastating toll.
The flying flags of both Palestine and India signify India's unwavering support during these difficult times. Banners demanding a boycott of Israeli products were raised, emphasizing the collective appeal to weaken economic support under constant bombing.
One notable moment during the rally showed a participant wearing traditional Arab garb – a thobe and keffiyeh – with duct tape over his mouth, a poignant symbol of the deep silence on the part of some countries in the face of escalating violence.
The event received substantial media coverage, spreading the message of solidarity, while social media platforms were filled with awareness. Police and medical personnel were strategically deployed to deal with any emergencies, underscoring the organisers' meticulous planning and collective responsibility to ensure the well-being of all participants.
The success of the rally was a testament to the dedication of the volunteers who worked tirelessly behind the scenes. As Israel continues to bomb Palestine, the rally serves as a call to action, urging people to remain vigilant and vocal in support of innocent people caught in the crossfire. It is hoped that such awareness campaigns will continue, becoming a collective voice against the tragedy unfolding in Palestine.
If you'd like to witness the impactful moments of the rally and the heartfelt expressions of solidarity, a comprehensive video compilation of the event is available on YouTube. Follow this link to experience the collective commitment and the visual representation of support for Palestine: Watch the Rally Video. Your engagement and shared support can further amplify the message of unity during these challenging times.
Read Basic Facts About The Palestine Issue by Dr Mohsen Mohammad Saleh
Explore Israel-Palestine conflict: A brief history in maps and charts by AlJazeera
